Sheet straightening machine



2 Sheets-Sheet 1 F. K. MASSNEST SHEET STRAIGHTENING-MACHINE Filed Dec. l1, 1954 Aug. 3l, 1937.

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` INVENTOR. 'ww( WM Aug. 31, 1937. F. K. MAUSSNEST 2,091,789

SHEET STRAIGHTEIING MACHINE Filed nec. 11, 1954 v l A2 sheets-sheet 2 #l \l ml -rl -."1 V/I- VA E', Illy- 5i 47 EL 51a ia; :2i

IN V EN TOR.

Patented Aug. 31.1937

UNITED STATES vPATENT OFFICE Friedrich K. Maiissnest, Woodside, N. assignor to Hedwig Maiissnest, Woodside, N. Y.

Application December 11, 1934, Serial No. 756,955

Z Claims.

This invention relates to sheet and plate straightening machines of the roller leveler type and has more particular reference to mechanisms l for adjusting the straightening rolls of such devices and their supports relative to each other to deiiect the straightening rolls into the desired working contour, as illustrated in my. copending application No. r717,610, led March 27, 1934, of which the present invention constitutes a continuation in part and of which it forms anadjunct.

It has been found that the supporting mechanisms as shown in the laforementioned copending application, giving a positive support to the straightening rolls near each end thereof and along their middle, is quite eective for roller lcvelersemploying average length of rolls, but may allow undesirable deections of rolls between the supporting points, when very long, thin rolls 20 must be used for attening wide and thin sheets of great hardness. Such unintended roll deflections have a detrimental effect on the ilattening result. v

One object of this invention is to provide any desired number of supports for the straightening rolls of such machines.

A further object is to provide a multiplicity oi non-adjustable and movable supports together with adjustable straightening roll ends for the deilection of the straightening rolls into the desired Working contour and for a more rigid and more reliable support of the rolls during the straightening process.

Another object is to provide means to adjust any desired number of supports into convex or concave group formations and to regulate the` straightening rolls with respect thereto for the deiiection of these rolls to stretch short sections of a sheet. fm A further object is to provide mechanism in roller levelers for the deflection of the straightening rolls by displacing the supports in 4dierent directions relative to each other and by adjusting the straightening rolls with respect thereto.

A still further object of this invention is to provide means for equalizing the pressure in the bearings of the reinforcing rolls.

With these and other objects in view, to be pointed out in the specification and the appended claims, several forms in which the invention may be conveniently embodied in practice have been 55 which:

Fig. 6 shows a diagrammatic view of another modification with one-piece supporting rolls.

Fig. 7 illustrates in diagrammatic form a convcx deflection of the lower straightening rolls of a mechanism as shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 shows-a modication of the construction shown in Fig. l with one-piece supporting rolls.

Fig. 9 is a sectional front view of the lower part of a roller leveler of modied design.

Fig. 10 shows a diagrammatic view of the design depicted in Fig. 9 with one-piece supporting rolls.

Fig. 11 illustrates in diagrammatic form a different modication of the construction shown in Fig. 9. Y

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view of a modiilcation of Fig. 11, employing one-piece supporting rolls.

Fig. 13 shows in diagrammatic form the lower part of a roller leveler, employing a plurality of supporting sections which are regulated in identical directions as their straightening rolls for a deflection of the latter.

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic view of a displacement of straightening rolls and one-piece supporting rolls into convex working contours.

Fig. 15 illustrates in diagrammatic form the plastic deformation of a sheet passed between upper and lower straightening rolls, whereby the pressure exerted by the sheet causes the deflection of. the lower straightening rolls- While the desired result in all the variousconstructions shown will be a convex or concave formation of the straightening rolls, it has been found necessary to disclose various possibilities of producing similar results by diilerent arrangements of mechanism, which all embody adjustments of straightening rolls and supporting instrumentalities relativelyto each other.

To facilitate the reading of the drawings, vertically placed arrows in Figs. 1 to 14 inclusive indicate the directions of adjustments of straightening roll ends andsupporting instrumentalitiesrelatively to each otherfor defiecting the straightening rolls into convex working contours.

Referring to Figs. l to 3, the machine comprises a lower frame I and a detachable upper frame 2. Sets of straightening rolls or working rolls 3 and 4 are arranged in frame I and 2 respectively. Upper rolls 4 are staggered with respect to lower rolls 3 so that a sheet passed between both sets of straightening rolls, will be repeatedly flexed in opposite directions. The bearings 5 on each end of upper rolls 4 aresuitably mounted on frame 2. A plurality of supporting rolls 6, journaled in bearing-blocks 1, which are flxedly mounted on frame 2, may be provided for the unyielding reinforcement ofupand worm-wheels 3, which are in. mesh with worms III on shafts II. Helical springs I2 may l be provided to counterbalance the weight of upper frame 2 to facilitate adjustment of the same by means of handwheels I3 on shafts II.

Lower straightening rolls 3 are sustained at their ends I8 in bearing-blocks Il which rest on pillow-blocks I5. Both blocks Il and I5 may be provided with curvilinear sliding surfaces to permit bearing-blocks Il to follow amovement of the working rolls 3. At each end, bearingblocks I4 may be supported by spherical elements I6 which are shown in fixed position and suitably fastened to pillow-blocks I5. Cover-plates I1 are secured to blocks Il to prevent a vertical displacement of these blocks relative to pillowblocks I5.

It will be noted that bearing-blocks Il are free to oscillate in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the working rolls 3 and that the fulcrums of the curvilinear sliding surfaces on blocks Il and I5 and spherical elements I3 coincide substantially with the center of the longitudinal axis of the bearings I8 of working rolls 3.

Each one of the two movable pillow-blocks I5 is carried by two adjusting screws I9 which are threaded in pillow-blocks I5. One of the two screws of each pillow-block I5 is located on the left hand side of the machine and possesses a right hand thread and the other one is located on the right hand side of the machine and has a left hand thread. This vertically displaced arrangement of screws I9, as shown in Fig. 2, will prevent the pillow-blocks I5 from tilting under load. 'I'he lower ends of screws I3 extend through the base 24 of the machine. Screws I3 are prevented from moving in either vertical direction by means of collars 25 at the lower end and worm-wheels 20 resting on the top surface of base 24. Worm-wheels 23 are secured tight to their respective screws I3 for the reason that their lower surfaces carry the weight and the pressure exerted on the straightening rolls 3. Between the two worm-wheels 28 of each-pillowblock I5 and in engagement with same is' a worm 2| secured to shaft 22. It is obvious that in using one worm 2| for the operation of two wormwheels20, one of which is secured to each of the two oppositely threaded screws I3 of each pillow-block I5, a uniform vertical movement will be imparted to each pillow-block.

accingo the straightening rolls 3. Each of thesupporting sections 29, 30, 3| and 32 comprises a series of comparatively short reinforcing rolls arranged in staggered order with respect to the working rolls 3. Fig. 2. I'hese reinforcing rolls are generally designated by the numeral 33. The ends -of rolls 33 are journaled in yokes or bridge elements 34, Fig. l, which connect both bearings oi' each reinforcing roll 33. Supporting-blocks 35 carry yokes 3l which are free to tilt in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the reinforcing rolls 33, because yokes 3l and supporting-blocks 35 are provided with curvilinear sliding surfaces. To prevent a. vertical displacement of yokes 34 relative to blocks 35, each end 36 of the supporting-blocks 35 may be arranged'with a pin 31 asl shown in Fig. 3. These pins, fast to blocks 36, extend into yokes 34 and permit a tilting movement of the latter without vertical displacement. Pins 31 are preferably mounted with their longitudinal axis in alignment with the middle of that of the related reinforcing rolls 33. 'I'he fulcrums of /the curvilinear sliding surfaces on yokes .3l-fand blocks 35 coincide with those of their respective pins 31.

, This novel and simple arrangement will equalize the bearing pressure in both bearings of each reinforcing roll 33, as the pressure exerted by the straightening rolls 3 against rolls '33 will cause the bridge elements 34 to tilt until an equilibrium in pressures is attained in both bearings. Furthermore, the pressure exerted on the reinforcing rolls 33 in Figs. 1 to 3, is absorbed by a total of twelve bearings, two for each of the six supporting sections, as compared with four bearingsin thel construction shown in Fig. 5 and similar supporting mechanisms illustrated in my copending application above referred to.

It will be obvious that the unit pressure in these reinforcing roll bearings will be smaller in the construction depicted in Figs. l to 3, than in supporting arrangement shown in Fig. 5, assuming identical roll dimensions for both constructions and identical dimensions of the sheets to be flattened.

It will be understood that the bearing arrangement shown for the reinforcing rolls 33 may be replaced by bearing arrangements as illustrated in Fig. 5 orl any of the bearing arrangements used heretofore may be'employed instead.

Analogous to the mechanisms for the adjustment of pillow-blocks I5 previously described in detail and illustrated in Fig. 2,v two vertically displaced adjusting screws 38 are threaded in each supporting-block 35. One of the adjusting screws 38 is located on the left hand side of the machine and possesses a right hand thread as illustrated in Fig. l. 'Ihe other screw 38 (not shown) is located on the right hand side of the machine and has a left hand thread. Each screw 38 carries a worm-wheel 39. Between the two worm-wheels 39 of each supporting-block 35 and in engagement `with same is a .worm 40 secured to common shaft eeen supporting-block when shaft 2z is rotated. The supporting sections are guided on shoulders 4| and gibs 42, Fig. 3. Y v

Handwheel I3 on one end of common shaft 22 5 serves to displace all supporting sections and to adjust the-related straightening rolls 3 with respect thereto for a deflection oi these rolls.

Supporting sections 21 and 23, located along the middle oi rolls 3 'may be carried by one supporting-block 35' so as to simplify the construction, because the lengths ot displacement of these sections 21 and 28 are identical for the reason oitheir symmetrical location with respect to the middle section of straightening rolls 3.

It is general practice to deflect the straightening rolls into working curves or working contours.

`which are symmetrical to the midpoint of the straightening rolls. One of the characteristics common to all constructions illustrated inA Figs. l to 8 is that the supporting sections or supporting elements are displaced in opposite directions; a further common characteristic is that the supporting element or elements located substantially in the middle of the straightening rolls and the straightening roll ends are always displaced in respective opposite directions for the deflection of the straightening rolls into convex or concave working contours. As a consequence of the opposite vertical displacement of the middle section oi' the straightening rolls to the displacement of their ends, it will be apparent that two symmetrically located points on the longitudinal axis of the straightening rolls intermediate the midpoint and each end of the straightening rolls will not change their neutral locations shown in Fig. 1, regardless of whether the straightening rolls have been deflected into convex working contours (Fig. 7) or concave working contours. These two points which mark the location of the change 40 in direction of the vertical straightening roll displacement will be referred toas neutral poln In the construction shown in Fig. l it is arbitrarily assumed that one of the neutral points is located between sections 21 and 29 and the 45 other one between sections 28 and 39. The supporting sections 21 and 28 which arelocated in between these neutral points are illustrated to be adjustable in the respective opposite direction to all the other supporting sections as weil as to wthe ends |8 oi' the straightening rolls 3. Due

to the curved shape oi.' the deflected working contour of the straightening rolls, the lengths of displacement of the several supporting sections 29, 30, 3|, 32 andpillow-blocks i5 sustaining the 55 ends I8 of the straightening rolls must differ, be-` cause they move in identical directions. Symmetrically located supporting sections 29 and 30, being nearerito the neutral points than sections 3| and 32, respectively, will be displaced less than 60 the latter. The ends |8 of the straightening rolls 3 are still farther away from their respective neutral points than sections/3| and A32; consequently, their distances of displacement will have to exceed those of sections 3| and 32.

In order to obtain the change in direction of vertical straightening roll displacement previously described, the worm-gear drive for supporting sections 21 and 28, Fig. 1, is cut in opposite direction to thedrives for sections 29, 30, 31|, 32 and 70 pillow-blocks l5.

In addition to that, the ratio of gearing of wormgear drives for sections 29 and 30 may be greater than that of sections 3l and 32, or the pitch of thread oi screws 38 for sections 29 and 30 may 75 be nner than that for sections 3| and 32, while vinto a concave contour. the sheet by the deiiected lower straightening neutral points" on the longitudinal axis of the straightening rolls may be'varied as desired. By

way of example, the neutral points in Figf are assumed to be between adjacent ends of elements 629'and 632' and between adjacent ends of elements 828 and 632', respectively; in Fig. 8, on the other hand, the neutral points are assumed to be between sections 829 and'830 and between sections 828 and 83|, respectively.

To iiatten distorted sheets, it is essential to stretch the short sections thereof. This is eil'ected by subjecting the sheet to waves of differing transverse amplitude by deilecting the straightening rolls into convex or concave working contours, as shown diagrammatically in Figs. 1, 14 and 15. Usually only one set of straightening rolls is deflected. All the illustrations incorporate` means for the deflection of the lower working rolls 3, while the upper working rolls are assumed to be maintained in straight locations.

if desired, upper rolls may beV similarly deected I as the lower rolls by duplicating the adjusting mechanisms shown for the deilection of the lower rolls.

` Figs. '7 and 14 show deflections of working rolls into convex contours, subjecting the sheet to waves of differing transverse amplitude. The

-waves will be deeper along the middle sections of the transverse waves than the same waves will be along their edge sections. A greater pressure is thereby exerted on the middlefsections of the sheet. which results in a stretching effect directed on the middle sections of the sheet in preference to its edge sections. This roll deflection will therefore be suitable for stretching the middle sections oi sheets.

Fig. 15 illustrates the working rolls deflected The waves created in rolls will be of greater depth along its edge sections and of lesser depth along its middle sections. This roll contour will be employed for stretching the edge sections of a sheet in preference to its middle sections.

v To produce a convex deflection of the straightening rolls 3 in mechanism shown in Figs. 1 to 3, handwheel 43 would be turned in counter-clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 2. As a result. middle supporting sections 21 and 28 will be raised and sections 29, 30, 3| and 32 will be lowered in such a manner that sections 3| and 32 will be displaced greater distances than above described adjustments for a convex deflection of the straightening rolls 3 have been effected. It will be noted, that the supporting sections have been disposed into a convex group formation 'to conform with the convex deiiection desired for the straightening rolls 3. The straightening rolls 3 have been positively deiiectedl over the adjusted supporting sections, which unyieldingly support the straightening rolls in their deiiected condition. The tilting movements of the supporting sections in a sidewise direction, caused by the deflection of the straightening rolls 3, may be clearly seen in Fig. 7.

When turning the handwheel 43 in clockwise direction, the sections 21 and 28 will be lowered; sections 29 and 30 will be raised smaller distances than sections 3| and 32, so that all supporting sections are grouped into a concave formation. Straightening rolls 3 will be raised from their neutral Vlocations shown in Figs. l to 3, and so positioned with respect to their adjusted supporting sections, that rolls 3 will-be deflected unto the supporting sections by the pressure created by a sheet which is exed between straightening rolls 3 and 4. Consequently, straightening rolls 3 will assume concave contours, similarly as shown in Fig. 15 fora modified adjusting mecha- L msm.

The horizontal roll positions shown in Figs. 1, 2,-3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 and the relative locations of their supporting sections, bearing-blocks and supporting-blocks will be referred to as the neutral locations of these elements, irrespective of any tilting movement of the same.

To clearly understand the` various diagrammatic views of Figs. 4 to l5, it should be borne in mind that whenever the pillow-blocks I 5 are lowered for a convex deflection of the straightening rolls 3, the bearing ends I8 of these straightening rolls are forced to follow this downward movement of the pillow-blocks I4, because spherical elements I8, Fig. 2, are provided with suitable locking means to prevent any vertical displacement between bearing-blocks I4 and pillowblocks I5. The one-piece supporting rolls in Figs. 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 are provided with the same tiltable bearing arrangement as the straightening rolls, so that no vertical movement of their g bearing-blocks with respect to their supportingblocks can take place. y

Fig. 4 shows diagrammatically a modification of the mechanism described in conjunction with Figs. 1Y to 3. The difference resides principallyV in the reduced number of supporting sections 421, 43| and 432, and the construction and adjustments are the same as previously described. From the explanations given in conjunction with Fig. 1, it will be evident that one neutral point on the straightening roll axis in Fig. 4 is located between the adjacent ends of sections 421 and 43I and the other one between adjacent ends of sections 421 and 432. This arrangement will be suitable for a leveler having straightening rolls with a lower ratio between their length and their diameter than that shown in Fig. 1.-

In Figs. 4, 5, 6 and in Figs. 8 to 14, identical and slmilarielements of construction have received the same numerals as in Figs. 1 to 3, with the gure number of the respective illustrations added in fr ont of the identification numerals.- The reason for this is to facilitate the' readingof the drawings and simplify the description -thereof y Fig. 5 is a. modified form of the design illustrated in Fig. 4, with the difference that two rows of supporting rolls 44 and 45 are employed instead of three supporting sections. A

Figs. 6 and 8 illustrate other modified forms of the mechanism shown in Figs. 1 to 3. The re-A geom-ea spective one-piece supportingA rolls 48 and 886 have been interposed between the straightening rolls and their supporting sections. To provide the desired support for the deflected straightening rolls, the one-piece supporting rolls have to be deected into contours which conform with those desired for the straightening rolls. Figs. 6 and 8 differ only with respect -to the number of lsupporting sections employed-to show the feasibility of using any desired number of such sections. A detailed description will therefore be given for the mechanism shown in Fig. 8 to cover both modifications.

For a deflection of the one-piece supporting rolls 848 and their straightening rolls 803, the supporting sections 821, 828, 829, 830 and 83| can be displaced into either convex or concave group formations. To effect such group formations, section 821 will be displaced a greater distance in the same direction as the adjoining sections 828 and 829. The outer sections 830 and 83| will be adjusted in .opposite direction thereto. The ends of supporting rolls 848 will be adjusted for theirI deflection inthe same direct-ion, but a greater distance than sections 830 and 83|, and the ends 8I8 of the straightening rolls' will be regulated still greater distances than their supporting rolls 848.

An adjustment of the mechanism for convex roll deflections will consequently result in positioning the supporting sections into a convex group formation, in deflecting the supporting rolls 848 over the latter and the straightening rolls 803 over the deflected supporting rolls 848, thus producing locations of `rolls and supporting sections similar to those shown in Fig. 14.

To obtain concave roll deflections, the supporting sections will beadjusted into a concave group formation. The one-piece supporting rolls 848 will be raised from their neutral locations, Fig. 8, by means of adjustable bearings 832', and straightening rolls 803 will be lifted away from the raised supporting rolls 848 by means of their adjusting screws 8I9. The pressure exerted by a sheet flexed between the upper andlower straightening rolls, will deflect the lower straightening rolls 803 unto their one-piece supporting rolls 848. Thereafter, the straightening rolls 803 and supporting rolls 848 will be deflected together into concave contours until the positive support of the reinforcing rolls 833 of the supporting sections is encountered. Y

Contrary to the conditions prevailing with respect to the straightening rolls and one-piece supporting rolls, the length of the reinforcing rolls 833 is very short compared to their diameter. Therefore, no deflection of practical importance can occur in rolls 833 during the straightening operation. Furthermore, the unsupported lengths of deflected one-piece supporting rolls 848 are restricted to the short distances existing The construction shown in Fig. 9 depicts theV lower part of a roller leveler, which embodies Y mechanisms fcJ.p adjusting the straightening rolls land their supporting means in opposite' directions relatively to each other, so as to .create a desired working contour for thestraightening rolls. The outside supporting sections 93E and l0 932 are maintained in neutral locations, but mayY tilt with the deection of the working rolls 903.

i In order to produce convex or concave group formations of all supporting sections, the adjustable sections 921, 929 and 930 will be regulated.

115 in identical directions, differing, however, in amount cti` displacement, depending on their distances from the neutral supporting sections @3i and 902. It is apparent that the straightening rolls @di will have to be adjusted in opposite' 20 direction to the displacement oi the adjustable supporting sections to deflect the straightening rolls 003 into their working contours. Sections @it and 930, which are located adjacent to the neutral sections S3! and ttt, will always he dis- 25 placed shorter distancesfrom their neutral lo-l cations than section 921.

Neutrai supporting sections @il and @di may he suitably fastened to lower frame member asl shown in Fig. 9. Sections 9M and @32 are not 3@ displaced in height to participate in the formation of the desired working contour of Atheir associated straightening rolls 903. This is in contrast to the adjustable supporting or backing l means 921, 929, and 930. Therefore, the neutral ,35 supporting sections may also be referred to as l non-adjustable supporting or backing means.

Fig. illustrates the same mechanism as shown in Fig. 9, however, adjusted for a concave roll deflection to stretch the edge sections of a sheet. Like elements in Figs. 9 and 15 have received like numerals. A sheet 50 is shown to pass between upper straightening rolls 904, which are not shown in Fig. 9, and lower straightening rolls 903. The upper straightening rolls 904 are assumed to be maintained in horizontal positions by means of'a proper supporting arrangement as shown for instance in Flg. 1. The pressure exerted when exing the sheet between the straightening rolls, deilects the lower rolls 903 unto their supporting sections as shown.

Fig. 10 shows a modification of the mechanism of Fig. 9 in that the one-piece supporting rolls |046 have been placed between the straightening |003 and the reinforcing rolls |033 ofthe supporting sections |021, |020 and |029. 'I'he bearing ends of each supporting roll |046 will be maintained in neutral locations and are not adjustable in height, analogically to non-adjustable backing means 93| and 932, Fig. 9, whereas the supporting sections |021. |028 and |029 Will'be raised or lowered with respect to the bearing ends of supporting rolls |046. At the same time, the straightening rolls |003 will be adjusted in opposite direction to the raised or lowered supporting sections, so as to deect the supporting rolls |046 and their straightening rolls |003 into subgroup formations, sections 41' and d0 be displaced in the same direction, ,but smaller distances than the straightening rolls M00, while supporting section H21!V is moved in the respective opposite direction.

The close relationship between the construction illustrated in Fig. 11 and that of Fig. fi will be apparent, if neutral sections HN and H32 are assumed to be ted in Fig. 11, because the remaining mechanism is then the exact duplicate o that ci Fig. 0n account of movements of sections tti and tti-in opposite directions to section Ml, Fig. d, it was pointed out that the two neutral points" on the straightening roll aids are assed to be located between sections lil? and titi and between sections @21 and dit,

respectively. These two neutral poin of Fig. Y l

ii are e omiteV tangible in Fig. il by placing neutral sections titi and Hai. respectively, in the vertical plane oi' eachneutral point.

Fig. i2 showen inodication of the mechanism illustrated in Fig. li. The main diuerence 'resides in the embodiment oi one-piece supporting rolls mit with a plurality ci supporting sections, for the pose already stated in connection with other ene-piece supporting roll arrangements. e hearing ends oi one-piece supporting rolls ldt are shown adjustable in the same direction as e ends ci straightening rolls muil, while the centraily located supporting section is displaced in opposite direction thereto. The supporting sections located adjacent 'each end ci supporting rolls lidi? are depicted to re stationary corresponding to non-adjustable supporting sections 03| and std, Fig. 9 and sections Mill and H32, Fig. 1i.,

Fig. 13 depicts a mechanism wherein the adjustment of the adjustable supporting sections and the adjustment ci' the straightening rolls are in the same direction, while the supporting section |321 is maintained in neutral or ilxed location and positioned substantially in the middle section of the straightening rolls. For the deflection of the straightening rolls |303, the vadjustable sections are raised with respect to the neutral'or iixed supporting section |321, so that all sections are disposed into convex or concave group formations, respectively. For this reason, supporting sections |329 and |323 adjacent to the neutral middle section |321, will always be displaced shorter distances than sections I33| and |330 which are farther away from the neutral middle section |321.-l

Fig. 14 represents a modificationv of the device shown in Fig. 13. One-.piece supporting rolls |440 are placed between straightening rolls `|403 and the reinforcing roils |433 of the supporting sections. The device has been shown adjusted for a :convex deflection of the rolls. The supporting rolls |446 are shown positively deflected over the convex formation of all supporting sections. Straightening rolls |403 in turn are shown deii'ected over the one-piece supporting rolls |446. This roll deflection is suitable for stretching the middle sections of a sheet in preference to its edge sections.

It is evident that the lengths of displacement oi?l elements |429, |430, |432 and |4|5 at one side of the mechanism, as well as the corresponding elements located at the other side of the mechanism, increase with their distances from .the neutral or xed supporting section |421. v

Whenever possible, supporting sections have been shown symmetrical to the middle -of -the straightening rolls to obtain equal distances of displacement, which simpliiiesY the construction and permits the application of duplicate wormgear drives, spindles, andso forth. It will be understood, however, that such symmetrical arrangements, while preferable from a practical point of view, are not essential for the proper functioning of the mechanisms shown.

The constructions shown are susceptible of change and variation without departing-from the spirit of this invention which resides in the adjustment of a plurality of supporting means and a displacement of the related straightening rolls with respect thereto for a deflection of the straightening rolls.

The scope of the present invention is therefore desired to vberestricted only by the claims to follow.

I claim:

1. In mechanisms of. the character described, two sets of straightening rolls positioned to repeatedly flex a sheet passed between them, supporting elements for one set of said rolls, said supporting elements being located near both ends of said rolls and adapted to maintain neutral locations, a plurality oiE backing means for said set of rolls, said backing means being arranged along said set of rolls and located between said neutral supporting elements, means adapted to positively raise or lower said backing means with respect to said neutral supporting elements, iurther means to adjust the ends of said set ol straightening rolls in respective opposite direction thereto for a deection of said one set oi rolls.

2. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls positioned to repeatedly flex a sheet passed between them, supporting'elements for said straightening rolls near both ends thereof adapted -to maintain neutral locations, a plurality of backing means for said straightening rolls arranged between said neutral supporting elements, means adapted to positively adjust said backing means toward or away from their related,straightening rolls and to displace said backing means with respect to 'one another and with respect to their related neutral supporting elements in such a manner that said backing means and supporting elements will be positioned into convex or concave group iormationsn further means adapted to adjust the ends of said related straightening rolls in opposite direction to said adjustment of their backing means' for a deiiection of said rolls.

`El. In mechanisms of the character described, two sets of straightening rolls positioned to repeatedly ex a sheet passed between them, a plurality of backing means arranged along the middle sections of one set of said rolls and at locations away therefrom, means to positively adjust said backing means along the middle sections toward or away from said set o istraightening rolls,

further means to displacesaid backing means located away. from the middle sections and the ends of their related straightening rolls in oppositedirections thereto for a deilection'oi said related straightening rolls.

4. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls positioned to repeatedly iiex a sheet passed between them, backing meansv for said straightening rolls substantially in the middle-thereof and at locations away therefrom, means to displace said backing means in the middle toward or away from the related straightening rolls, further means to regulate the ends of j said related straightening rolls and those backing means which are located away from the middle in opposite direction to said displacement of said backing means in the middle, in such a manner that the ends of said related straightening rolls will always be displaced greater distances from their neutral locations than those backing means which are located away from the middle.

5. In mechanisms of the character described, two sets of straightening rolls positioned to repeatedly flex a sheet passed between them, a multiplicity of backing means for one set of said straightening rolls, said backing means being l located substantially in the middle of said set of rolls and at locations away therefrom, means adapted to regulate the ends of said set of rolls and said backing means located away from their middle in'one direction and to regulate said backing means in their middle in opposite direction thereto in such a manner that said backing means will be displaced into convex or concave group formations for a deection of said set of straightening rolls. v

6. In mechanisms of the character described, two sets of straightening rolls, two rows of supporting rolls or one set of said straightening rolls, said supporting rolls having adjacent ends, means to displace said adjacent ends of said rows of supporting rolls toward or away from said set of straightening rolls, further means to regulate the outside ends of said rows ofA supporting rolls and the ends of said set of straightening rolls in opposite direction thereto in such a manner that the distance of displacement of said out- 'side ends of said rows of supportingrolls is always shorter than the displacement of said straightening roll ends.

'7. In mechanisms of the character described, two sets of straightening rolls positioned to repeatedly flex a sheet passed between them, supporting elements for one set of said, rolls, said supporting elements being located away from the middle section of said set of rolls and substantially symmetrical thereto, means to maintain said supporting elements in neutral locations, backing ymeans arranged along said set of rolls and located between said neutral supporting elements, further backing means which are located between said neutral supporting elements and each end of said set of rolls, means to regulate said backing means located between said neutral supporting elements in one direction and further means to displace in opposite direction thereto the ends of said set of straightening rolls land said .backing means which are located between said neutral supporting elements and each end of said set of straightening rolls.

8. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls between which a work sheet -is to pass, supporting elements for said straightening rolls adapted to maintain neutral locations, said supporting elements being located away from the middle of their related straightening rolls, backing means for said rolls arranged between said neutral supporting elements, supplementary backing means for said rolls located vbetween each end thereof and said neutral elements, means to raise or lower, backingmeans .between said elements, further means to regulate in opposite direction thereto the ends of the related rolls and their supplementary backing means thereof and said neutral supporting elements in such a manner that said backing means located between each end of said rolls and their related supporting elements are displaced shorter diswhich are located between each endtances from their neutral locations than the ends of said related straighteningrolls.

9. In mechanism of the character described, two sets of straightening rolls positioned to repeatedly flex a sheet passed between them, supporting elements for one set oi said rolls, said supporting lelements being located substantially central to said rolls, means to maintain said supporting elements in neutral location, a multiplicity oi backing meansflocated between said neutral supporting elements and each end of said set of straightening rolls, means adapted to positively raise or lower said backing means relative to said neutral supporting elements, further means to regulate the ends o said one set of rolls relatively thereto in identical directions as said raised or lowered backing means for a deection of said set of rolls to stretch short sections of a sheet. f

l0. In mechanisms or" the character described, straightening rolls between which a Work sheet is to pass, supporting elements for said rolls adapted to maintain neutral locations, a multiplicity of backing meansfor said roils, said backing means being located between said neutral supporting elements and each end ci said rolls, means to adjust said hacking means and the ends of their related straightening rolls relatively to each other in identical directions in such a manl /."'o'5"s"traightening rolls positioned to repeatedly dex a sheet passed between them, one-piece supporting rolls for. said straightening rolls, backingmeans arranged along each supporting rollv adapted to travel toward or away therefromand to be displaced into convex or concave group formations for a deflection of said one-piece supporting rolls, further means to adjustfthe ends of the related straightening rolls toward or away from said one-piece supporting rolls in order to deect said straightening rolls into contours similar to those of said one-piece supporting rolls.

12. In mechanisms oi' the character described, straightening rolls positioned to repeatedly ex a sheet passed betweenthem, one-piece supporting rolls for said straightening rolls, means to maintain the ends of said supporting rolls in neutral locations, a plurality of backing means arrangedrolls and the ends of their related straightening rolls in one direction and to' regulate said backing means in opposite direction thereto for deections oi said straightening rolls and supporting rolls into identical contours.

14. In mechanisms o f the `character described, straightening rolls between which a work sheet is to pass, supporting elements for said straightenlng rolls adapted to maintain neutral locations, a multiplicity of backing means for said straightening rolls, said supporting elements and said backing means being located along said rolls intermediate their ends, adjustable means to displace the ends of said straightening rolls and said backing means relatively to each other and lwith respect to said neutral supporting elements in such a' manner that said backing means and said supporting elements are grouped into convex or concave formations for the support oi said straightening rolls in their dedected condition.

15. In mechanisms of` the character described,4

straightening rolls between which a worlr sheet is to pass, a multiplicity oi comparatively short backing rollers to support said straightening rolls intermediate their ends, bridge bodies rotatably sustaining both ends of said short backing rollers, supporting means tiltably carrying `said bridge bodies, bearing elements sustaining the.

ends oi said straightening rolls, and adjustable :meansV to displace said bearing elements oi said straightening rolls and s bridge bodies of said backing rollers relatively to each other in such a manner that said backing rollers are disposed into convex or concave group formations for the support of said straighteningrolls when the latter are deiiected.

16. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls. positioned to flex a sheet passed between them, a multiplicity of bachi elements for said straightening rolls, said baci:- ing elements being located between the ends of said straightening rolls, means to positively ad- -iust said backing elements for said rolls in opposite directions .to each other to move said backing elements into their supporting positions, and

further-means to lregulate the ends of their related straightening rol'ls toward or away fromv said oppositely adjusted backing elements for a deiiection of said rolls to stretch short sections of a sheet.

17. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls, adjustable elements for the ends o1' said straightening rolls, a multiplicity of adjustable and non-adjustable backing means located intermediate said adjustable elements, and

' auxiliary means to displace said kadjustable elements and said adjustable backing means with respect to said non-adjustable backing means for a deflection of said straightening rolls.

18. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls and supporting rolls, adjustable and non-adjustable backing means for said supporting rolls, said backing means being located intermediate the ends of said supporting rolls, and adjustable elements for .the ends of said straightening rolls and for the ends of said supporting rolls. Y

19. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls and supporting rolls, adjustable and non-adjustable backing means located intermediate the ends of said supporting rolls, adjustable elements for the ends of said straightening rolls and for the ends of said supporting rolls, means to positively regulate said adjustable backing means with respect to said non-adjustable backing means in such a manner that all said backing means are brought into convex or concave group formations, and auxiliary means to raise or lower said adjustable elements for the deflection of said straightening rolls and said supporting lrolls into similar working contours.

oi the character described,

`straightening rolls,` adjustable elements for the ends of said straightening rolls, two rows of supporting rolls located intermediate said adjustable elements, said supporting rolls having adJacent ends, means to raise or `lower said adjacent ends of said rows of supporting rolls, and-further means to displace the outside ends of said rows of supporting rolls and the ends of said straightening rolls relative to said raised or lowered adJacent ends of said rows of supporting rolls.

yFanixnmcn K. MAssNEs'r. 

